In this article I will cover all the mountain hiking clothes you should bring on your next mountain hiking trip. This checklist assumes that the hike takes place during the summer. However, ice and snow could still occur in the mountains during the summer and it can still be very cold, especially at night.
This list is meant to be an example. You do not necessarily need every item on this list, there are viable alternatives for certain pieces of clothing. However, you should think about every layer, so if you decide to not bring everything on this list make sure to bring a good alternative. Except for the “optional” pieces of clothing, these are recommended but not required.
If you want to learn more about hiking clothes in general check out this article Hiking clothes: proper hiking attire.
Mountain hiking clothes quick checklist
This is a very quick overview of what mountain hiking clothes you should bring on your next mountain hike. You can find more information about every item by clicking on the links below.
Mountain hiking clothes complete checklist
1. Underwear: Ice breaker anatomica Boxer (x3)
Some people prefer to take only two boxer shorts. Personally I bring three simply because it is very lightweight and can bring additional comfort and hygiene. You could also decide to use of them only for sleeping. If you are on a budget you can go for a cheaper alternative. However, make sure the boxers are breathable and made out of nylon, polyester or merino wool. If you do not feel 100% comfortable in your underwear, keep looking for better alternatives.
2. Base layer top: Icebreaker Everyday L/S Baselayer Top Black Mens (x1)
Even in summer it can get pretty cold in the mountains, especially during the night. Therefore, a good base layer top is definitely recommended. Some people prefer to bring two base layer tops, one for sleeping and one for hiking. Try to figure out exactly how cold it will be during the night before you decide to bring a dedicated base layer top for sleeping. In case of emergency you can also sleep in the same clothes you hike in.
3. Base layer bottom: Icebreaker Merino Oasis Midweight Base Layer Leggings (x1)
This base layer bottom made the list for the same reasons as the base layer top. Once again, you might consider bringing a second base layer bottom for sleeping. However, one base layer bottom is enough for my needs.
4. Liner socks: FoxRiver Outdoor Wick Dry Alturas Ultra-Lightweight Liner Socks (x1)
Liner socks are great at wicking moisture from the skin, and they dry quickly. They are worn underneath your hiking socks and create a friction free layer. This is very important when it comes to preventing blisters. Since they are so lightweight and cheap, you could definitely consider bringing multiple pairs. If you suffer from blisters often I would definitely recommend giving these a try on your next hike.
5. Hiking socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks (x2)
Bring at least two pair of hiking socks. One for hiking and one to wear in the evening/at night. You do not want to get the second pair wet or dirty. You could also consider bringing more than two pairs. If it is possible try on your hiking socks before buying them. It is very important that they feel comfortable inside your hiking boots/trail runners. The cushions on these Darn Tough Hiker Socks make them feel good in almost any boots.
6. T-shirt: Marmot Men’s Windridge Short Sleeve Tee (x1)
Bring at least one short sleeve t-shirt and make sure it is not made out of cotton or silk. You could also bring two t-shirts if you like, but make sure you can wear them both at the same time. This can help you with layering. If you dislike hiking in a t-shirt, you could bring a short-sleeved shirt as an alternative.
7. Long-sleeved shirt: Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge (x1)
Bring at least one long-sleeved shirt, nylon, polyester or merino wool are the optimal fabrics for a hiking shirt. Not only can a long sleeve hiking shirt help keeping you warm, it can also protect you from getting sunburned on a very sunny day. The air is thinner at higher altitudes, this means that you will get sunburned a lot faster than at sea level. Sun cream might not be enough to completely protect your skin.
8. Hiking shorts: Columbia Men’s Silver Ridge Cargo Short (x1)
A good hiking short is obviously a must-have. When buying a hiking short make sure to check the fabric, once again nylon and polyester are your best options. Additionally it should have enough pockets for your needs. Instead of bringing a hiking short you could also consider bringing a convertible hiking pants with zippers. However, a lot of hikers feel like these kinds of pants are not very durable and it can be a struggle to reattach the lower parts. Try to wear your hiking pants as much as possible before you leave on your hiking trip. It is important that it remains comfortable after walking longer distances.
9. Hiking pants: Helikon-Tex Outback Line, OTP Outdoor Tactical Pants (x1)
Long pants can either be used to keep your legs warm, or they can be used to protect your legs from the sun. If you would ever end up with sunburned legs in the mountains you will be grateful for those long pants. Once again look for a nylon or a polyester pants, potentially in combination with spandex for flexibility. Just like your hiking shorts, your hiking pants should feel very comfortable while walking longer distances.
10. Fleece: Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Men’s fleece (x1)
The main function of this fleece is to keep you warm, it is one of the best insulators. A good fleece is not cheap. However, if you are on a tight budget you could consider going for a cheaper alternative. Make sure to do proper research. You will require good quality material in the mountains (good quality does not always have to be expensive).
This is in my opinion a must-have for mountain hiking clothes, but do not bring more than one because it will simply weigh too much. Keep in mind that a fleece does not protect you from wind or water.
11. Down jacket: Columbia Men’s Frost-Fighter Puffer Jacket (x1)
A combination of a good fleece and a puffer jacket is one of the most effective ways to stay warm in cold temperatures. Unlike the fleece, the puffer jacket does repel a fair amount of water and offers some protection against the wind.
If you know it won’t be very cold on your hiking trip, you could swap this puffer jacket for a soft shell jacket.
If it will be extremely cold, I would advise buying the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hooded Jacket instead. Be aware, this one is a lot more expensive.
A puffer jacket cannot replace a fully waterproof rain jacket. You will mainly use this jacket to keep you warm, not to protect you from heavy rain.
12. Rain jacket: Marmot Minimalist Men’s Lightweight Waterproof (x1)
You rain jacket has two main functions. Protection from the wind and protection from the rain. You should be absolutely sure that your rain jacket provides both.
Another very important thing is that your rain jacket should be very breathable. The Marmot Minimalist Men’s Lightweight Waterproof Rain Jacket is made out of very lightweight, breathable material. If you rain jacket is not breathable, you will start sweating a lot. Sweating can in time lead to heat loss. So do not underestimate the importance of breathability.
Keep in mind that it can rain on cold and on hot days. You want a jacket that is suitable for both situations which makes breathability an even more important factor.
Edit: I still like the Marmot Minimalist a lot. However, I do have a new favorite waterproof hiking jacket. Learn more about it in this article: The 4 best waterproof hiking jackets.
13. Rain pants: Outdoor Research Men’s Rampart (x1)
You want your rain pants to be completely wind and waterproof. Additionally, try to get a pair with full length side zippers, this way you do not have to take off your shoes before putting on your rain pants. Once again, breathable material is a pretty important factor.
If you want to make sure no water can get between your rain pants and your shoes you should consider bringing waterproof gaiters as well.
14. Hat: Outdoor Research Swift Sun Hat (x1)
Most hikers prefer to wear a wide brimmed hat. However, on my mountain hiking trips, I always felt like a regular trucker hat was good enough.
Bring the hat that you feel the most comfortable in. Except when you know it will be extremely sunny, in that case I would recommend bringing either a wide brimmed hat or a billed cap with a sun cape. Make sure that you don’t forget this one, especially if you are bald.
15. Gloves: The North Face Unisex Etip Gloves (x1)
You can either bring a pair of hiking gloves dedicated to protect you from the sun or you could bring a pair that will keep your hands warm. This obviously depends on the weather conditions in the mountains.
However, I prefer to simply bring a pair of all season hiking gloves on any trail. If the weather conditions are not extreme, these will do just fine.
16. Gaiters (optional): Salomon Outdoor Unisex High Trail Reflective Gaiters (x1)
Gaiters are one of those accessories that you didn’t think you needed until you tried it. Gaiters will keep debris out of your shoes. This can definitely come in very handy in the mountains.
17. Buff (optional): Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear (x1)
A buff is a very popular piece of hiking clothing that serves multiple purposes. It can be used as a sun guard, a scarf, a hat, a neck gaiter, a dust screen or even a ponytail holder. It is very lightweight and can serve multiple purposes.
Conclusion
As I already said before. This list is meant as an example of a good list of mountain hiking clothes. Weather conditions can be very different at different altitudes or in different mountains. This could lead to some changes to the list. However, you should have a general understanding of what you should pack.
You probably noticed that I added a link to every piece of clothing. Note that there are a lot of viable alternatives. You do not have to stick to these brands. However, everything that I included in this list I consider to be very good products.
If you are on a tight budget you can definitely consider buying cheaper products. I would like to advise you to do proper research if you would decide to do that. It is a terrible feeling when you are in the middle of nowhere, in a heavy storm and realize that your rain jacket is not that waterproof.
Additionally, budget items are often less durable and can break faster. Buying a lot of budget items can eventually be more expensive than buying a very durable, costly item once. I’m not saying that all budget products are trash, just make sure to do proper research before buying anything.
Also, I haven’t talked about shoes in this article. However, I do have a separate article about that topic: Best cheap hiking shoes.